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Am I Talking To You?
By KWiz | March 15, 2007
Yvonne at Grow Your Writing Business recently tagged me for a great meme that, with your feedback, will help me better understand and focus on the folks for whom I write in this blog. The “original” first question of the meme is “To Whom Do You Blog?” Yvonne reworded the question to read “Whom Do I Write For?” because she views blogging “as a collaborative conversation.” I absolutely agree with this point because blogging isn’t (or shouldn’t be) done in a vacuum. If it is, what’s the point? Isn’t that why we crave comments? We love the conversation!
Whom Do I Write For?
When I began blogging, I looked at it as a vehicle to begin my ministry. When I say “ministry,” I’m not talking about preaching in a pulpit. I tried that, actually, and discovered that I’m not a good preacher - because that’s not my gift! One of the things God gifted me to do is teach. So while I was teaching Bible study for a time, I’m now teaching biblical studies at a Christian, college-prep high school.
Nevertheless, I had always known my ministry extended beyond the high school classroom; I just didn’t know in what way. I also know that as a woman who has experienced and grown through lots of pain in my own life that many other women could relate to those experiences. So my “ministry” (blog), while not limited to women, is primarily to women who are (as stated in the “Welcome!” section of my blog) seeking wisdom in the areas primarily of relationships, parenting, personal development, and spiritual growth. Keep in mind that while I am informed by my experiences as well as formal and informal research, I know there are others out there (women and men) who have wisdom to share as well, and my readers want to hear that wisdom (THIS IS A CALL FOR LOTS AND LOTS OF COMMENTS! ).
But to what “genre” of woman do I write? This is an interesting question to me, because there are varieties of women out there. There is the WAHM, the homeschooling mom, the SAHM, the “professional” woman, the Christian woman, the cooking woman, and on and on and on and on. One of the things I do know is that, while I am a mother, I am not inspired to write about any great recipes or journal about my daughter’s daily accomplishments (although I’ll talk about my daughter from time to time). While those activities are important, it’s not my regular cup of tea. Nor am I much of a political pundit (I leave that up to Danielle at Modern Musings), although I have some political views that I think are well-informed.
Moreover, while I am a Christian and my Christian beliefs inform who I am, I don’t feel the need to talk about my Christianity to make a point every day. Therefore, I don’t target my writings to Christian women specifically. I don’t feel comfortable with a primarily Christian audience because I’m not the best Christian myself. I don’t have it all right. I target my writings to women as a whole because Christian or not, women share unique experiences that we, no matter what faith tradition is held, can all learn from.
Furthermore, although I target women, pain and the need for healing and renewal is universal. Women are my target, but a lot of what I discuss can relate to men as well. And with many issues, men can provide interesting perspectives women may not think of. So I absolutely welcome the male voice!
Am I Talking To You?
The second question of this meme can only be answered by you. As you can see, I think I know who I’m writing for, but I could be wrong. I’d like to invite you into this “collaborative conversation.” I’ve included some questions below that will help me understand who my audience really is (not who I claim them to be). I’D LOVE TO KNOW FROM YOU:
- Whom do you think I’m talking to?
- Who are you?
- Why are you here?
- Why do you come back to my blog?
- What do you want to read here?
- What do you think is missing?
- What is the one thing you truly don’t like about this blog?
I’d love to hear your honest feedback. Please - don’t hold back!
This was such a valuable meme! Thanks Yvonne! I’d now like to pass the baton on to Madena at Soul to Soul, Danielle at Modern Musings, Jim at Black in Business, and Camille at Now.
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Topics: Blogging, Relationships |
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March 15th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for asking my opinion Kwiz! I think you write great articles that have a clear and understandable voice to them. They also address issues that I think about…a lot.
As for the Meme…I don’t yet know too much about them. However, I’m willing to write up a storm about all the questions you asked. So, given a little time and with a little more information about Memes…I think I can participate.
If you want to offer any info on the basic premise of a meme, I’d appreciate that.
Sincerely,
Camille NOW
March 15th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Hi KWiz
I think you offer a calm amidst the hullaballoo of the blog buzz. Sometimes we need information on a topic, such as marketing or writing, but sometimes we need to feed the soul too. So in a sense, you offer a respite from “all the noise” of the internet. The look of your site is calm too, so the experience starts as soon as you arrive.
I am a writer who also enjoys the sort of thing you write about, so I have become a regular visitor. I have found that a lot of what you say helps me refocus, and put things in perspective, both professionally and personally. I like the idea of “blogging the book”, and may adapt this concept for my own blog.
An audience is a hard thing to define. Everyone takes from a blog whatever they need at the time. On your blog, what they find has the potential to be life changing. What I mean is the synchronicity of someone reading the right thing at just the right time for them, which resonates for them, and helps them find the perspective they need. That makes your blog (and you) something special.
You’re doing a great job. Your sincerity and passion for supporting people, and for your topic shines through.
When you have a moment, I’d love you to hop over to my blog, and answer my similar questions there for the same meme. I’d really value your insights and feedback.
Thanks for a great blog.
Yvonne
March 15th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
1. Whom do you think I’m talking to?
Any “seeker” willing to stop and listen.
2. Who are you?
I seeker who blogs…
3. Why are you here?
I like your style.
4. Why do you come back to my blog?
It seems serene here…
5. What do you want to read here?
All about the Inner Life being more important than the outer life.
6. What do you think is missing?
Hmmm… Havta think about that………
7. What is the one thing you truly don’t like about this blog?
If I ever discover womething, I’ll letcha know.
March 16th, 2007 at 8:53 am
Hi Camille,
Thank you so much for your feedback! I appreciate it so very much!!!
Memes were confusing when I first saw them. The way it works in blogging is that a question or issue originates with someone, and that person answers the question or issue on their blog as a post. In the same post, they “tag” other bloggers to answer the same question or issue and they “tag” others. When some people tag, they tag a whole lot of people. I usually only tag a few. Or you can tag just one. Whatever you feel comfortable with.
There are some memes that float around that may not fit what you’re doing with your blog. I personally haven’t been tagged with any of those yet. But this tag was beneficial to me because I’m able to see if I’m doing what I think I’m doing through the wonderful folks that comment. So I wanted to tag you.
What you can do to see how others have handled this meme is to go to my post, click on Yvonne’s link (Growing Your Writing Business), and see how she responded to the meme (scroll down a little to get to the meme - also, she’d like comments about her site as well if you have time). In addition, you can follow the people she tagged (click on their links) to see if they responded.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks Camille!
March 16th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Wow, Yvonne, I really appreciate your encouragement. I don’t quite know what to say except thank you.
I’ll be by to give you some feedback as well!
Thanks Yvonne!
March 16th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Alexander, thank you so much for your honest feedback. I feel honored that I’m able to provide something of value to you and others, and I pray I will continue to do so. If you think of anything else at any time, please feel free to let me know.
March 16th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I love the caring you display in your blog. You have a lot of love and an ability to share. I am intrigued by women and use to think, I fully understood how women think. My wonderful wife reminds me daily, I have a lot to learn, not only about women but every thing!
I am a blogger as well and my blog blackinbusiness has evolved into a forum that people of all races participate. I am a salesman by trade that has become an executitive. I am rough around the edges and I come here to find some refinement. Thank you for the TAG, I will ponder and try to do almost as well as you have here. Keep Hope Alive!
March 17th, 2007 at 3:34 am
Thank you for sharing a bit more about yourself, James! I’m glad you make your way over here sometimes. I am honored.
March 17th, 2007 at 10:45 am
KWiz,
I have only just discovered you…when you left a comment at my blog, Design Your Writing Life and I’m glad I did. I received the original meme, and decided to turn it on it’s head and rewrite the meme with the questions you’ve posted today. Then Yvonne stopped by and I see has taken the “Am I talking to you” meme and really ran with it on her blog, and we’re all in a swirl of curiosity.
When we use a meme like this, we’re asking, not telling, and it invites conversation, appreciation and community. We want to participate. But reading previous posts, I think you’re always inquiring, asking and digging. I love that.
On a practical level, I love the layout of your blog. The horizontal menu on top, the clean, clear type, the beautiful photo, and the subscription buttons right up top. That’s something I’d like to do on my blog as well.
I find your content crosses all kinds of communities, not just Christian, not just women, and you obviously have many male readers.
I came here to find out about you, and I found you write with beauty and ease. You tell tales that make me think, grow, change. As a coach, that’s what I eat for breakfast, so I LOVE that about your blog.
I can see that I’ll be here often…
Lisa
March 17th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Hi KWiz,
I’m well rested now and I’ve given some thought to your questions:
1. Whom do you think I’m talking to?
Narcissistically, I think you are talking to me.
2. Who are you?
A wanderer; a seeker; a potential friend; a conduit; a misfit looking for a fit.
3. Why are you here?
It fits.
4. Why do you come back to my blog?
It continues to fit.
5. What do you want to read here?
The philosophy of your experience. More of same.
5a. What don’t you want to read here?
Things related to Christianity. Although I love your disclaimer about your own views of writing to a Christian or non-Christian audience. I’m a very spiritual person but I don’t like my views being painted within the rigidity of an organized religion that has been misinterpreted over the millennium(s) and thumped at people continuously as the only real truth out there. That being said, I do believe in God, but I prefer to interpret God within the context of my own experience.
6. What do you think is missing?
The header image. I think you should find a unique header image. See #7.
7. What is the one thing you truly don’t like about this blog?
The header image. However, this is a dichotomy because I love the header image. It’s just that I’ve seen it on so many different sites using this template.
I just had to add 5a. I hope you don’t mind…
I love your blog…
I love that your reach out without preaching…
Thank you so much…
Camille NOW
March 17th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Hi Lisa,
I feel honored that you’ve found my site and choose to continue to come back. I appreciate your feedback very much.
The theme is quite popular. It automatically comes with the header image. The subscription buttons also come with the theme. It is well supported by its creator - something I appreciate because I’m not HTML or CSS savvy. But one thing that does bother me a little, and Camille mentioned it in her comment, that the header image is standard. I have seen other people use it, and when I see it, I cringe a bit. So I have been meaning to find an image to change it out and think I may have found one (from an image my husband shot a couple of years ago). I plan to try it out maybe this weekend or early next week. So when I change it out, please let me know how it works. I want to make sure I maintain the feel that my readers are experiencing when they come here.
Thanks so much Lisa!
March 17th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Hi Camille,
Wow! I am so humbled by your wonderful comment. I am so glad we’re able to connect. I think in some way, we are all misfits; in fact, I like that phrase so much I hope you don’t mind if I use it sometime.
I appreciate your comment on Christianity-talk on my blog. I just don’t feel comfortable with that language because I find it somewhat unapproachable. And I want to ensure I can connect with people in a way that doesn’t judge or condemn.
I agree with you about that header. As I just said to Lisa above, I plan to replace that header image. When I do, please let me know if it works here.
I really appreciate you taking the time out to give me this feedback. It is my intent for us to journey together, and to do that, we’re all seekers, not just some of us. Thank you so much.
Now I look forward to you responding to the meme on your blog!
March 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Not at all! Please use whatever ‘fits’ LOL
I’ve done the meme on my blog and published it. I feel at peace with the experience. I even feel humorous about it. I like to tell people that I like, that I like them! This gave me a way to do it in disguise! Hahaha… that way they don’t feel the pressure of my intensity so directly.
My blogging experience is enriching itself every day… being currently enamored with it, I realize it is just a single step toward a future I welcome with love and hope.
In ode to developing friendships, I thank you for the experience which you warmly extended to me!
Camille NOW
March 17th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Thank you for the tag. I will give it my best shot:
Whom do you think I’m talking to?
I think you are talking to the millions of us out here who: are seeking and sharing wisdom in order to grow, develop, and continue to serve a greater good.
Who are you?
I am an aspiring motivational/inspirational speaker/writer. I do try to bring my point back to God and the “big picture”. My belief encompasses all of who I am. It is hard for me to write without including that.
Why are you here?
My intention is to show others a different perspective of how a relationship with God can work. I want people to know that you don’t have to be perfect to have a relationship with Him. I want people to know that I am a fallable human being. I make poor choices on a daily basis, I sometimes revert back to my “old” self. Each time God forgives me and more importantly I forgive me so that I can start a new and share an even stronger message.
Why do you come back to my blog?
I come back to your blog because I love your heart and wisdom. I feel as though we have known one another for a lifetime:-)
What do you want to read here?
More of the same
What do you think is missing?
Can’t think of anything
What is the one thing you truly don’t like about this blog?
If there was something I didn’t like, I wouldn’t return.
March 19th, 2007 at 3:21 am
I can’t believe I have been deemed a political pundit and tagged all in the same post, I feel so special.
1. Whom do you think I’m talking to? Me and anyone who wants to hear.
2. Who are you? I am a harried mom of three young boys, wife to an Indian man, college student, and blogger. Oh Yeah! A political Pundit.
3. Why are you here? To share the blog love
4. Why do you come back to my blog? Because you are a good blogger, you respond to your comments, you email your faithful readers but not to much, and we started blogging at the same time.
5. What do you want to read here?Anything that causes me to think
6. What do you think is missing? I am no good at questions like this, sorry.
7. What is the one thing you truly don’t like about this blog? I don’t really like the women with wolves segment but that is my taste and it is very popular for your readers so ignore me, I’ll still come back.
We are on the same page when it comes to Mommy posts. I love reading some of the TopMama blogs but my blog is my oasis from my crazy kids. It is a place where I can be “a radio” and not bother my husband too much. It is a place where I can share what is important to me and meet great creative people like you.
All the best sweets
Woo Hoo I am a political pundit. Kwiz has deemed to so. I am so not worthy. I pass the baton to Betsey Angert at Be-think.org. She is my political pundit.
March 20th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Hi Camille, it’s my pleasure. I enjoy reading what you have to say!
March 20th, 2007 at 12:25 am
Hi Madena,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I appreciate it so much, my kindred one.
March 20th, 2007 at 12:30 am
Hi Danielle,
Thank you so much for your honest feedback! I think you were the first person I placed on my blogroll! And it has been great seeing your growth. You work hard, and it’s evident you are enjoying what you’re doing. Thank you again, Danielle!
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
[...] KWiz offers wisdom with every step at Women walking in wisdom’s footsteps. She finds time to enlighten her readers while caring for her apple of a husband, and her brilliant daughter. From discussing the book “Women who run with wolves” to race issues this delightful woman will have your brain in action. What I love about KWiz is that there is such a connection between a Christian theology high school teacher and a pagan/Hindu student and stay at home mom like me. And that is how it should be! Oh yeah and she deemed me a political pundit. [...]